Support NeoGAF

[Eusis]

They're not exactly anonymous. Many of these comment sites feature Twitter / Facebook integration.

I must once again reiterate I'm not worked up at all about this, I only highlight that it appears to be getting worse, I've seen this article posted on many sites, and where previously the split of positive / negative comments on trans news pieces may be roughly 50:50, it's now skewing heavily negative.

I wonder if it's more of the assholes getting online? Or more of the decent/open minded people getting tired of fighting and just stopping? Though it seems possible we're in an odd period where all sorts of nasty shit that usually doesn't come up IS coming up more and more. Hopefully that's less an indicator of people becoming worse and more like the death rattles of prejudice before it becomes more and more of a fringe.

Then again it doesn't seem like that stuff ever dies down ENOUGH, and the internet is almost like an exposed nerve in that regard. :/

 

[ThanksVision]

I can't stand homecoming queens and kings, it's such an antiquated convention. Good luck in college where it doesn't matter.

something tells me you didn't make homecoming court

 

[Amalthea]

She should cherish her win with her closest friends instead of listening to internet morons and I hope she will keep the fact that she did what so many of us can't at that age close to her heart. But sadly almost everybody in that age is very careful what others think about them but I hope that she will know how proud she makes the whole transgender community with her courage.

 

[JDSN]

Good on her, and good on her school.

Saw Orange County, thought Florida finally got some good news...should have known it was the real OC.

Dont call it that.

 

[SmokyDave]

"I'm so proud to win this not just for me but for everyone out there and for every kid -- transgender, gay, straight, black, white, Mexican, Asian. It doesn't matter, you can be yourself,"

Oooh, so close. I'm afraid though, the Will Smith School of Racial Classification lists "black, white, Cuban or Asian". We were looking for 'Cuban'. Thanks for taking part though, lady.

 

[paile]

"If it can just make them look a little bit differently at myself or anyone else in this world and judge a little less harshly, then it was all worth it," Campbell said.

Well that's commendable and the complete opposite to how I feel toward bigots which is basically, 'I hate your fucking guts and I wish you would just piss off and die in a ditch somewhere you ignorant, pea-brained fuck'.

 

[andthebeatgoeson]

They're not exactly anonymous. Many of these comment sites feature Twitter / Facebook integration.

I must once again reiterate I'm not worked up at all about this, I only highlight that it appears to be getting worse, I've seen this article posted on many sites, and where previously the split of positive / negative comments on trans news pieces may be roughly 50:50, it's now skewing heavily negative.

From my perspective, the positive comments are a sign of 'it' getting better. The negative has always been there and you should expect them. You can structure your browsing to avoid them but they never went away, never got better. But the story and how you found pockets of internet with a positive reaction are signs of improvement.

Well that's commendable and the complete opposite to how I feel toward bigots which is basically, 'I hate your fucking guts and I wish you would just piss off and die in a ditch somewhere you ignorant, pea-brained fuck'.

It's happening.jif

 

[ryan13ts]

I'm happy for her, hopefully this will pave the way for others to be more accepting to people who are Transgender or just anyone that's different from them in general.

I hate to hear about her breakdown though, it's pretty sad that there will always be shitty people who hide their hateful crap behind the veil of the internet. She seems like a pretty smart, strong girl so hopefully she'll bounce back from it and overcome the ignorance being thrown her way.

 

[Vintage_Creep]

I find it hard to believe that an entire school was so supporting for the dude to be honest.
Anyway, everyone is entitled to do what he wants to his/her body, that much is a given.
But can I break your balls and say one little unpopular thing? I kinda hate their attitude. Nah, not hate. I just don't like it. Look at his/her boy--->girl transformation video. The music she uses, the way she moves after she's done. It's like "I'm a girl now so I have to act like a street bitch.". Don't know, it depresses me. I've seen many of this kind of video on Youtube (don't know why to be honest, maybe I'm just fascinated by them), and they all do the same thing basically.
But it's just me, I'm old school.

 

[News Bot]

But it's just me, I'm old school.

No you're not.

 

[Ledsen]

Not the nicest thing to say, but the world is going to be so much better when these people are the average adult and the crappy judgemental people have died of old age. I'm so glad I get to read something like this.

We will be just as judgmental, but over other things.

 

[sixteen-bit]

Good on her.

 

[Jokergrin]

I find it hard to believe that an entire school was so supporting for the dude to be honest.
Anyway, everyone is entitled to do what he wants to his/her body, that much is a given.
But can I break your balls and say one little unpopular thing? I kinda hate their attitude. Nah, not hate. I just don't like it. Look at his/her boy--->girl transformation video. The music she uses, the way she moves after she's done. It's like "I'm a girl now so I have to act like a street bitch.". Don't know, it depresses me. I've seen many of this kind of video on Youtube (don't know why to be honest, maybe I'm just fascinated by them), and they all do the same thing basically.
But it's just me, I'm old school.

their attitude? you just generalized a lot of people

also what do u mean "the dude"? she isn't a dude

 

[Conciliator]

cool stuff, she cute too.

 

[paile]

But it's just me, I'm old school.

I hope you're not long for this forum.

 

[JDSN]

But it's just me, I'm old school.

I think "Troglodyte" is the proper term.

 

[Vintage_Creep]

Well, whatever, just telling what I think. Obviously not everyone is like that, but I see a lot of people generalizing when girls pose like that, while when it's a transgender doing it, nobody seems to care. I don't actually care, it's just my thing, I don't like it. Trust me, I'm very open-minded, but I'm not an hypocrite, if something sets me off I just say it. I don't think I offended anyone.

 

[paile]

Trust me, I'm very open-minded, but I'm not an hypocrite, if something sets me off I just say it. I don't think I offended anyone.

Yeah well you fucking offended me.

 

[Vintage_Creep]

Yeah well you fucking offended me.

Well I'm sorry if I did. I don't have absolutely anything against transgender people. Why should I?

 

[Nephtis]

I've seen this story making the rounds at various sites and the huge thing I've taken out of it is that comments sections seem to actually be getting worse across the board.

Even the comments on sites like The Guardian and Huffington Post are overwhelming hateful.

eh, screw 'em. comment sections will always bring the trolls, and they're always the loudest.

I think this is a significant step though, and I'm happy for her.

 

[OverBlood 3]

Decided to look up her YouTube

http://youtu.be/RyHMBFJ02jY?t=2m27s

 

[lexi]

Well, whatever, just telling what I think. Obviously not everyone is like that, but I see a lot of people generalizing when girls pose like that, while when it's a transgender doing it, nobody seems to care. I don't actually care, it's just my thing, I don't like it. Trust me, I'm very open-minded, but I'm not an hypocrite, if something sets me off I just say it. I don't think I offended anyone.

So a trans girl is not allowed to act feminine? I don't get what you're saying at all. Nobody seems to care? Have you seen the pages upon pages of utter bile and hate that this girl has received?

 

[paile]

Well I'm sorry if I did. I don't have absolutely anything against transgender people. Why should I?

Indeed.

My suggestion is next time don't call a mtf transgender a 'dude', proceed to fuck up the pronouns (it's not his/her, it's her) and make an irrelevant point regarding their manner.

 

[Vintage_Creep]

So a trans girl is not allowed to act feminine? I don't get what you're saying at all. Nobody seems to care? Have you seen the pages upon pages of utter bile and hate that this girl has received?

She can't? LOL she can do whatever she wants, obviously. I just don't like it.
I'm referring to hypocrites who are supportive of the way she acts, while when they see a non-transgender girl acting the same way, they attack her. Simple as that.
Really it's not that big of a deal, I already said that even though I find it odd that an entire school was so supportive of her, it's a good thing.
Don't you all act so outraged, you look kinda ridiculous to be honest.
I understand if I offended someone like the user above me (I didn't intend to) and I already apologized. That's it though, I'm not gonna change what I personally think.

 

[News Bot]

I'm referring to hypocrites who are supportive of the way she acts, while when they see a non-transgender girl acting the same way, they attack her. Simple as that.

How do you know this is even the case? You're just jumping on a notion you formed in your head.

It may very well be, but unless you've got actual examples of that hypocrisy... there was no point in mentioning it.

 

[WarMacheen]

I saw the picture and focused on the person on the left and was like,wut homecoming gotdamn


Then I saw the person on the right and was like, ok cool.


I need coffee

 

[Vintage_Creep]

How do you know this is even the case? You're just jumping on a notion you formed in your head.

It may very well be, but unless you've got actual examples of that hypocrisy... there was no point in mentioning it.

I was just saying. It's a forum, people talk.
I said the relevant thing, and then added the irrelevant, just because I wanted to say it.

 

[lexi]

She can't? LOL she can do whatever she wants, obviously. I just don't like it.
I'm referring to hypocrites who are supportive of the way she acts, while when they see a non-transgender girl acting the same way, they attack her. Simple as that.
Really it's not that big of a deal, I already said that even though I find it odd that an entire school was so supportive of her, it's a good thing.
Don't you all act so outraged, you look kinda ridiculous to be honest.
I understand if I offended someone like the user above me (I didn't intend to) and I already apologized. That's it though, I'm not gonna change what I personally think.

I don't mean to crucify you or anything, I'm just unsure of what you're actually saying.

You're saying the way she poses and moves in her videos is... what? I'm guessing you don't approve or like it, as you mentioned, how would you like trans girls and women to act?

 

[EVOL 100%]

Who are these hypocrites that annoy you? Are you sure they're not figments of your 'old school' imagination?

 

[Lost Fragment]

She can't? LOL she can do whatever she wants, obviously. I just don't like it.
I'm referring to hypocrites who are supportive of the way she acts, while when they see a non-transgender girl acting the same way, they attack her. Simple as that.
Really it's not that big of a deal, I already said that even though I find it odd that an entire school was so supportive of her, it's a good thing.
Don't you all act so outraged, you look kinda ridiculous to be honest.
I understand if I offended someone like the user above me (I didn't intend to) and I already apologized. That's it though, I'm not gonna change what I personally think.

It's simple. Being happy for a transgendered person who has seen some success with identifying as whatever gender they want takes priority over how a person might feel about how some people otherwise present themselves. I agree that it's an obnoxious way to act (I don't agree with the way you generalized it, mind you), but that feeling is trivial in the grand scheme of things.

 

[Vintage_Creep]

I don't mean to crucify you or anything, I'm just unsure of what you're actually saying.

You're saying the way she poses and moves in her videos is... what? I'm guessing you don't approve or like it, as you mentioned, how would you like trans girls and women to act?

"Approve" is a wrong word, I don't even remembered if I personally used that, if so, forgive me, I don't have to "approve" anything. I don't have to "like" anything either though. Anyway I've watched a bunch of videos because I'm fascinated of what make up can do, I like seeing a face transforming so deeply until it becomes completely someone else. It's fascinating. What I don't like is how someone like this girl in the OP shows herself off later though. It kinda diminishes what she's doing imho.
For the hypocrites I'm talking about I refer mostly about Youtube comments. Come on, you know what I'm talking about. But again, it was just a detail, I didn't want to upset everyone here LOL.

 

[Vintage_Creep]

It's simple. Being happy for a transgendered person who has seen some success with identifying as whatever gender they want takes priority over how a person might feel about how some people otherwise present themselves. I agree that it's an obnoxious way to act (I don't agree with the way you generalized it, mind you), but that feeling is trivial in the grand scheme of things.

Oh well, absolutely. Did I ever say that she should stop doing that because it displeases me? Come on. A lot of people on NeoGAF put words in the mouths of others, I see.

 

[metalslimer]

I was just saying. It's a forum, people talk.
I said the relevant thing, and then added the irrelevant, just because I wanted to say it.

You are talking to imaginary people that you made up to fit the irrelevant argument you are making.

Edit: Youtube comments? Really?

 

[Vintage_Creep]

You are talking to imaginary people that you made up to fit the irrelevant argument you are making.

Edit: Youtube comments? Really?

Whatever, it's OK.

 

[Madness]

Comments are telling, because those are REAL people behind what is written. These are your neighbors, teachers, officers, workers etc.

I know people have a problem with comments on such stories and wish they'd be turned off, but I say why? Do you want to pretend those comments/thoughts/people don't exist? I always read every single thing, even the disgusting and hateful stuff because it makes me realize the world isn't what I think.

Obviously message boards and sites have rules of conduct, but the scary thing is, many comments are from people who aren't hiding behind avatars, fake names anymore. But people who have no problem showing their faces, their names, their cities etc. And even heavily moderated sites are starting to have a lot more comments that I would never imagine people would have those thoughts. They aren't even 'troll' comments, but they are well written, and rationalized comments of hate and intolerance.

 

[Malvolio]

Glad to see that the younger generation appears to be more accepting than the one I grew up with. This poor girl would have been bullied into being home schooled back in my day.

 

[AkuMifune]

Glad to see that the younger generation appears to be more accepting than the one I grew up with. This poor girl would have been bullied into being home schooled back in my day.

Yup. Makes me feel good a majority of kids would support her in this way.

Never reading youtube comments to make sure this feel good stays.

 

[Takuan]

Comments are telling, because those are REAL people behind what is written. These are your neighbors, teachers, officers, workers etc.

I know people have a problem with comments on such stories and wish they'd be turned off, but I say why? Do you want to pretend those comments/thoughts/people don't exist? I always read every single thing, even the disgusting and hateful stuff because it makes me realize the world isn't what I think.

Obviously message boards and sites have rules of conduct, but the scary thing is, many comments are from people who aren't hiding behind avatars, fake names anymore. But people who have no problem showing their faces, their names, their cities etc. And even heavily moderated sites are starting to have a lot more comments that I would never imagine people would have those thoughts. They aren't even 'troll' comments, but they are well written, and rationalized comments of hate and intolerance.

Good post. This is why I don't see internet anonymity being a negative; I want unfiltered opinions, right or wrong, to get an understanding of the spectrum of beliefs out there. There's no sense in getting angry or shutting them out.

I remember discussing the transgendered issue with a gay co-worker, and he was of the belief that it would always be contentious and will forever be a "niche" culture, mainly because the idea of "man has penis, woman has vagina" is such a deeply-ingrained belief across most generations that people will never be accepting of the notion that a physiological man could be considered a woman. I said it wasn't very long ago that gays were essentially forced to live in the closet, and that perspectives can change drastically over a relatively short period of time. I think the awareness and education has increased in just the past year or so (this has certainly been the case for myself), with the younger generation being more accepting. Who knows where we'll be in another few years?

Part of me thinks that TG individuals should live how they want and come to terms with the idea that not everyone is going to accept them for who they are, but then again, I don't know what it is to be stared at and verbally/physically assaulted for being myself. "Grow thicker skin" does seem to be a rather shitty suggestion when the reality of how society feels about TG individuals is considered.

It's a nice story and all, but is this really considered as making history??

In Orange County, yeah. It's a big win for them.

 

[SummitAve]

It's a nice story and all, but is this really considered as making history??

 

[Silky]

Comments are telling, because those are REAL people behind what is written. These are your neighbors, teachers, officers, workers etc.

I know people have a problem with comments on such stories and wish they'd be turned off, but I say why? Do you want to pretend those comments/thoughts/people don't exist?

Just like I can disassociate with those neighbors, teachers, officers, workers, etc. I can disassociate myself with comments on an internet thread because they don't represent me. I could care less about what people say when they have a word limit to work with.

It's wrong yes, but (in my opinion), it's not hard for some people to disassociate with really terrible people.

Again: Good for Her.

 

[Hawkian]

I've seen this story making the rounds at various sites and the huge thing I've taken out of it is that comments sections seem to actually be getting worse across the board.

Even the comments on sites like The Guardian and Huffington Post are overwhelming hateful.

Oh I don't get worked up, don't worry. I'm just observing that negative comments seem to be on the rise, lately. Perhaps a shrinking minority screaming louder?

"If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn."

More acceptance among the mainstream bulk of society means louder shrieking by those whose precious sensibilities remain offended by such deeply uncouth behavior as, you know, being yourself rather than hiding absolutely everything about your identity.

 

[Rayis]

I'm so happy for her, she needs to be strong because people are brutal especially when many people are SO ignorant of trans issues, but she already did her part and that will encourage some people to research about trans people and help them come to a better understanding of them, it won't be easy but I do think trans people acceptance is on the rise.

 

[besada]

It's a nice story and all, but is this really considered as making history??

If she's the first transgender homecoming queen, then yeah, it's making history,

 

[Kano on the Phone]

It's a nice story and all, but is this really considered as making history??

She's the first trans homecoming queen in her county, and one of the first in the country as has been mentioned, so very much so.

 

[Kai Dracon]

"If you hide your ignorance, no one will hit you and you'll never learn."

More acceptance among the mainstream bulk of society means louder shrieking by those whose precious sensibilities remain offended by such deeply uncouth behavior as, you know, being yourself rather than hiding absolutely everything about your identity.

I suspect this is mainly behind what we're seeing right now. For example, if you went by internet comments you'd think intolerance and mass hatred towards gays was reaching an all-time high. But actual statistics show acceptance of gays is increasing, not decreasing.

Rather, we're seeing a critical mass in the agitation of the people who cannot handle the reality of anyone that deviates from their prejudices. Because there is far more open talk about such things today, and because those doing the speaking show increasing confidence, this threatens people who want their world to stay flat.

Maybe it's related to an observation I once read about commentators on political news online: if you went by the tone of internet comments you'd think 90% of the population was a paranoid white anglo-saxon protestant male convinced communism was making a comeback. In reality there's a demographic of angry, frequently unemployed, white guys whose lifestyle coincides with having nothing to do all day but sit at home on a web browser and stew over economic and political news. So naturally they're the first to comment on nearly every story on every website.

 

[Deified Data]

Usually when this happens it's a cruel, ironic joke. My school had an annual tradition of putting the most hated, ostracized students on the Homecoming ballots for the hell of it.

Anyway, I don't want my cynicism bleeding over into an otherwise positive news story, anecdotes be damned. Good for her.

 

[Thunder Monkey]

At first I was happy, then I was sad, and then happy again... then I read a certain creeps post.

We still have a loooong way to go.

 

[CitrusStorm]

My college once put a gay guy in the ballot for homecoming queen and he won. Homecoming king wasn't happy. Many many people were upset. But that was nothing compared to the number of people getting divided over this.

Maybe it's because there's always more drama in high school than college.

 

[Haint]

Can someone educate me on what transgender refers to exactly? Is it phenotypical birth defects/abnormalities (e.g. hermaphrodites), internal identification as the opposite gender (with or without surgical sex changes), or both?

 

[Five]

I'll be glad when this kind of thing isn't making the news anymore, it's just normal.

Good on the girl for being able to win. Good on those who voted for her. Whoever made this newsworthy and turned it into a huge deal though, maybe not so good. It's hard enough for celebrities to not get bullied, even more so when their celebrity is developed over a controversial issue.